Abstract: A chord and/or note assist assembly includes a chord and/or note forming aid having a plurality of multi-position string engaging assemblies that engage strings of a guitar in a controlled manner so as to define chords associated with playing a guitar and an extension device having a plurality of multi-position string engaging assemblies that engage strings of a guitar in a controlled manner so as to define chords associated with playing a guitar. An electronic microprocessor circuit board is electrically linked to a solid-state memory to control the plurality of multi-position string engaging assemblies of both the chord and/or note forming aid and the extension device.

Abstract: A musical instrument pitch changing apparatus for a musical instrument having at least a first and second string is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bender lever pivotally secured to the musical instrument, a rocker arm pivotally secured to the instrument with a bender saddle for varying the tension in the first string in response to movement of the bender lever between the first and second positions. A mount secures the rocker arm and bender saddle to the first selected string in a first bending configuration or to the second selected string in a second bending configuration. The rocker arm and bender saddle is movable between the first selected string and the second selected string of the musical instrument.

Abstract: An auxiliary device coupled to a stringed instrument for producing chords is disclosed. The auxiliary device comprises a housing. The housing comprises a plurality of buttons and a plurality of actuators coupled to the plurality of buttons. Further, the auxiliary device comprises a rim coupled to the housing. In order to couple the auxiliary device to the stringed instrument, a neck of the stringed instrument is placed between the housing and the rim, such that the plurality of actuators are made to come in contact with stings of the stringed instrument. The plurality of buttons is pressed to operate the plurality of actuators. When operated, the plurality of actuators is made to depress to strum the strings to produce a chord.

Abstract: An assembly for an instrument includes a fretboard having a width, a length, a top surface, frets projecting from the top surface and spaced apart along the length, strings arranged above the top surface across the width, and recesses formed into the fretboard between the frets and below the strings. A button is carried in each recess for reciprocal movement along an axis between a raised position and a depressed position. In the depressed position, the button is in contact with one of the strings and depresses the one of the strings against a proximate fret. In the raised position, the button is out of contact with the one of the strings.

Abstract: A guitar hand placement guide and support bar that fits between the strings of a guitar and the upper surface of the guitar and attaches to the upper surface of the body of a guitar with one or more suction cups. An upper cantilevered platform portion extends over the strings and supports the guitar player's hand while in use. The removable guitar hand placement guide and support bar can be consistently re-positioned adjacent where the strings are picked or strummed in precisely the same place. A dogleg extension and one or more internal finger grip portions located along the left side edge of the upper platform portion provide the guitar player with optional methods of use.

Abstract: A finger-pressed auxiliary device for a stringed instrument is provided. The stringed instrument comprises a body, a neck connected to the body, a fingerboard disposed on the neck, a plurality of frets disposed on the fingerboard at spaced intervals, and a plurality of strings extending along the length direction of the neck. The finger-pressed auxiliary device comprises: a plurality of finger-pressed plates extending along the length direction of the strings and each being disposed to correspond to a respective string; an upper support secured to the top of the neck; and a lower support secured to the bottom of the neck or the body. As the fingers only have to contact the surfaces of the finger-pressed plates, the pain associated with holding strings with fingertips is avoided.

Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a musical instrument is provided. The apparatus includes a clamp, a plurality of string-contacting members, and a string-contacting member spacing adjustment mechanism. The clamp removably attaches to a desired longitudinal position on the instrument's neck. Each member is rotatably supported by the clamp and rotates thereon independently of the other members. Each member also adjustably impinges upon and urges a given string or course thereof on the instrument toward a user-selectable one of three different longitudinal positions on the neck's front surface, these positions including a home position, a home?1 position, and a home+1 position. The mechanism allows a user to adjust the location of the members as a group on the clamp so as to substantially center the plane of rotation of each member over a different string or course thereof, and to maintain substantially equal spacing between each different adjacent pair of members.

Abstract: A removable chord playing attachment and related method is disclosed. The chord playing attachment may be attached to a guitar or similar stringed instrument, and the user may use the chord playing attachment to learn to play the instrument. The present invention discloses a design that does not function as a capo, which allows the user play chords in standard keys. The present invention includes a specially configured nut or connector or anchor that forms a removable connection with a chord playing unit. The present invention encourages novices to learn to play the instrument in stages and eventually remove the invention entirely. A companion teaching manual is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pedal operated configurable guitar chord player is used in conjunction with a selection software and includes a chord actuator, an actuator assembly, and a pedal. The chord actuator provides a support structure, wherein the actuator assembly is positioned within a casing and connected to a base and a mounting frame. A first clamp and a second clamp attached to the base allow the chord actuator to be attached to the neck of a guitar, wherein a plurality of actuators of the actuator assembly is positioned overtop each of the guitar strings. The plurality of actuators is controlled by a microcontroller that is communicably coupled to an electronic device through an electronic device connection means. The pedal signals the microcontroller to progress the plurality of actuators to form the subsequent chords, wherein the order of chords is determined through the selection software.

Abstract: A pedal operated configurable guitar chord player is used in conjunction with a selection software and includes a chord actuator, an actuator assembly, and a pedal. The chord actuator provides a support structure, wherein the actuator assembly is positioned within a casing and connected to a base and a mounting frame. A first clamp and a second clamp attached to the base allow the chord actuator to be attached to the neck of a guitar, wherein a plurality of actuators of the actuator assembly is positioned overtop each of the guitar strings. The plurality of actuators is controlled by a microcontroller that is communicably coupled to an electronic device through an electronic device connection means. The pedal signals the microcontroller to progress the plurality of actuators to form the subsequent chords, wherein the order of chords is determined through the selection software.

Abstract: A chord playing attachment and related method is disclosed. The chord playing attachment may be attached to a guitar or similar stringed instrument, and the user may use the chord playing attachment to learn to play the instrument. Unlike other chord playing attachments, the present invention discloses a design that does not function as a capo, which allows the user play chords in standard keys. The present invention also discloses tabs that may be removed or swapped by the user to allow the user to play some chords by pressing the strings directly and some by pressing a finger pad. The present invention encourages novices to learn to play the instrument in stages and eventually remove the invention entirely. A companion teaching manual is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for depressing the strings of a musical instrument, including a foot-operated pedal portion having a plurality of pedals operatively coupled to a control device, the pedals arranged chromatically and corresponding to major chords; a second foot-operated portion including toggles for modifying the major chords; and a hands-free string-engaging portion operatively coupled to the pedal portion. The string-engaging portion includes a plurality of actuators configured to overlie and depress the strings of the stringed musical instrument. The pedal portion also may include a control device operably coupled to and configured to receive input signals from the pedals and toggles, and the control device may be operably coupled to and configured to send output signals to the actuators, such that depressing one of the pedals causes the actuators corresponding to a predetermined chord to be depressed.

Abstract: A string depressing device is useable to fret at least one string of a stringed musical instrument. The string depressing device includes a frame that, when adjacent to a fingerboard of the stringed musical instrument, extends both along and across the fingerboard and above the strings. A plurality of protruding compressible resilient members extend from the frame toward the fingerboard. When the frame is pressed against the fingerboard, each protruding member sufficiently depresses an underlying string to fret that string. In an operative position, some of the protruding members are positioned over corresponding strings at desired positions along the fingerboard. A capo can be placed around the neck of the stringed instrument and over the frame to press the frame towards the fingerboard. This presses at least some protruding members against corresponding strings, and effectively frets those strings against the fingerboard at the desired positions to form a musical chord.

Abstract: A removable chord playing attachment and related method is disclosed. The chord playing attachment may be attached to a guitar or similar stringed instrument, and the user may use the chord playing attachment to learn to play the instrument. The present invention discloses a design that does not function as a capo, which allows the user play chords in standard keys. The present invention includes a specially configured nut or connector or anchor that forms a removable connection with a chord playing unit. The present invention encourages novices to learn to play the instrument in stages and eventually remove the invention entirely. A companion teaching manual is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a musical instrument is provided. The instrument includes a neck having a front surface over which a plurality of strings is stretched. The apparatus includes a clamp and a plurality of string-contacting members. The clamp is adapted to removably attach to a desired longitudinal position on the neck. Each of the members is rotatably supported by the clamp and is adapted to rotate on the clamp independently of the other members, this rotation occurring along a plane which is substantially parallel to either a given string or course of strings. Each of the members is further adapted to adjustably impinge upon and urge the given string or course of strings toward a user-selectable one of three different longitudinal positions on the front surface, these positions including a home position, a home?1 position, and a home+1 position.

Abstract: A chord playing attachment and related method is disclosed. The chord playing attachment may be attached to a guitar or similar stringed instrument, and the user may use the chord playing attachment to learn to play the instrument. Unlike other chord playing attachments, the present invention discloses a design that does not function as a capo, which allows the user play chords in standard keys. The present invention also discloses tabs that may be removed or swapped by the user to allow the user to play some chords by pressing the strings directly and some by pressing a finger pad. The present invention encourages novices to learn to play the instrument in stages and eventually remove the invention entirely. A companion teaching manual is also disclosed.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finger positioner that facilitates playing musical instruments. The finger positioner comprises a wedge (1), which is positioned between two adjacent fingers of the fretting hand and in parallel to said fingers so that the wedge spreads the bent fingers in the area of the distal phalanges of the fingers, wherein the narrowly tapering end of the wedge points at the palm and wherein at least one pin (2; 3; 7) is provided, which penetrates the wedge in the transverse direction and lies against the inside of two adjacent fingers and thus holds the wedge in the correct position. In order to avoid tilting, the wedge is approximately as long as the fingers or is held in position by a further pin. The longitudinal section of the wedge (1) can be bent similar to the fingers of the fretting hand. The pins (2; 3; 7) can be straight or slightly bent and protrude from both sides of the wedge (1) by approximately half a finger width.

Abstract: A chord bar system for stringed musical instruments. The chord bar system enables a single finger movement pattern may be used in pressing the buttons to play each I-IV-V chord progression in each different key.

Abstract: The present invention is a sliding chord producing device and method of use for a user playing a guitar with a neck, a plurality of strings and a plurality of frets. The device has a generally tubular metal handle with two metal support rods that can be grasped by the user that are perpendicularly attached to the handle. There is also a vertical generally tubular metal slide and a diagonal generally tubular metal slide that are in movable contact with the neck, the strings and the frets that are perpendicularly attached to the handle by the support rods at a fixed angle forming the device. The device can also be made of glass.

Abstract: An improved chorded zither is disclosed herein which may be characterized in that it comprises a novel adjustably positionable chord bar assembly (which assembly enables the playing of every key in the normal chromatic scale of 12 keys). In a preferred embodiment, the inventive chord bar assembly comprises a slidable chord bar rack operably connected to a plurality of chord bars, with the chord bar rack being interposed between the top surface of a body and a plurality of strings (associated with a stringed musical instrument). The plurality of chord bars is positioned above chord bar rack and perpendicular relative to the plurality of tensioned strings. The chord bar assembly is configured to be adjustably positionable between at least a set up key position, a sharpened key position, and a flatted key position.

Abstract: An aiding device, “E-Z Master Chord”, for playing fretted string instruments, such as an acoustic guitar played by a beginner, is provided. The aiding device according to the current application is engaged over frets of an acoustic guitar to generate a chord with only two fingers of a player.

Abstract: A capo device has a clamping assembly and individually selectable pressure pad assemblies for compressing selected strings of a stringed instrument to selectively tune the stringed instrument. The pressure pad assemblies are adapted to be selectively vertically lifted or lowered relative to the strings of the stringed instrument to vary the permutations for chord tunings.

Abstract: A D-Tuner for mounting on the peghead of a banjo. The D-Tuner has keyed cam pegs, adjustable stops for limiting the extent of rotation of the cam pegs, and linear flexible members attached to the cam pegs. The flexible members are suitable for attachment to the second B string and third G string of a banjo for tuning the banjo when the keyed cam pegs are turned.

Abstract: This is a modified guitar equipped with cord bars and strung chromatically with multiple strings (notes). For each cord desired the notes that do not pertain are dampened by depressing the desired cord bar. The key for the desired song is fixed by a capo. This instrument is idea for people with handicaps such as arthritis, etc, or people with little musical knowledge or experience, since memorized multiple finger arrangements or finger placements are not necessary. Rhythm and Melodies can be played with proper strumming and cord bar usage.

Abstract: A machine for placement on the fingertips of players of stringed instruments with which the strings will picked or plucked. Designed as a set, the two picks do not collide as the musician moves his or her fingers to pick the stringed instrument, The abrasion of the interior of the picks, prevents pick slippage, even when worn comfortably loose, The forefinger pick is designed with a unique diagonal wrap that may be adjusted to fit a range of finger sizes, The middle finger pick is designed with wings that provide a gap which allows the adjacent pick to touch the skin of the middle finger instead of allowing metal to touch metal, The forefinger wrap is placed to avoid the metal of the middle finger pick and instead touch the skin of the middle finger, and The shank (the tip portion) may be adjusted or bent to the conformation desired by any given musician.

Abstract: A musical instrument apparatus including multiple parallel strings defining a string line and a keyboard overlay positioned at an acute angle to the string line to allow for consistent playing feel by consistently positioning the hammers on the keys while allowing large key spacing with minimized distance between the strings. The hammers are directly mounted to the keys and are adapted to either cause vibration of the strings or clamp the strings against the upper surface of a neck board so that the strings may have multi tonal capabilities as is commonly used with a fret board neck on a guitar. The strings can be played with just the keyboard, but the strings also extend past an edge of the keyboard overlay so that the user can directly play the multiple parallel strings to achieve a guitar sound. Both an electrical pickup and an acoustical body are provided for further sound variety.

Abstract: Drum hardware and drum secured thereon are preferably supported on a vest type carrier or a T-bar carrier having a plurality of separate parts removable from each other and formed of a rigid plastic, light metal such as magnesium, aluminum or titanium. The removable hardware includes a removable back support member. The removable back support member consists of hardware or configuration that can be removed or securely attach to the carrier with or without tools. The back member may be adjustable in width using slotted holes, telescoping components or sliding members. The adjustment to the back support member can be performed by adjusting the shoulder straps. The back member may be secured to changeable and or adjustable shoulder straps.

Abstract: A relative chord method for playing a series of chords on a music keyboard by prescribed finger transitions from one chord to the next dependent upon the musical interval between the chords.

Abstract: An inventive stringed musical instrument comprising an independent string copoing device adapted to secure a string of a guitar or other fretted stringed musical instrument at selected fret position in order to quickly and easily vary the length of the string available for vibration, to change the pitch when the string is plucked or bowed. The independent string copoing device describes clips and a clip placement installation area adapted to secure a clip style fixing device to a selected fret on the fretboard, the clips and clip insertion area so shaped as to complement each other for locking a string or plurity thereof to a pressed down or mechanically fingered position. The instrument may also include the use of a split-nut structure comprising a permanently divided nut, and a method for tuning the stringed instrument comprising tuning the instrument to a non-standard or altered configuration while utilizing a means of varying the length of independent strings with mechanical devices.

Abstract: Finger-controlled members for contacting the strings on a guitar includes three string-contacting finger members, one for the index finger, one for the middle or second finger, and one for the third or ring finger. Each of the string-contacting finger members is securely fastenable upon the respective finger such that it is on the palm-side of the finger and on the second segment of the finger so that the user can manipulate the string-contacting finger members with one's finger tips. Each string-contacting finger member has a body with a single string contact stem extending from the bottom thereof and being capable of holding only one string against the fingerboard of the guitar. In addition, there are four multiple string contact attachments which can be detachably attached to the string-contacting finger members and which have bottoms that are capable of holding two or three consecutive strings or two nonconsecutive strings against the fingerboard of the guitar to achieve selected musical chords.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the playing of stringed instruments comprises a stand (6) with two lateral pieces (7, 7') between which is arranged a pressure plate (5) with a length which is larger than the distance between at least three crossbars (3) on a neck of the instrument, and a width that is larger than the distance between maximally separated strings (2). On its underside, the pressure plate has protruding abutment elements (12), the plate being on one hand reciprocally displaceable relative to the stand, and on the other hand being capable of being pressed down against the force of springs (10) in the direction of the neck (1) in order to activate a combination of transmission device (5) included in the stand by a desired, corresponding combination of abutment elements, the transmission device having the purpose of stretching strings against the crossbars (3), so that the strings deliver a desired chord.

Abstract: The invention is a bar chord machine for stringed musical instruments with frets. The machine has a generally longitudinal frame made of two parallel spaced-apart rods with clamps for securing the frame next to and generally parallel to the neck of the stringed instrument. One rod acts as a pivot point for a plurality of lever presses which extend perpendicularly from the rod in spaced apart relationship out over the top of the fingerboard of the instrument. The other rod acts as a pivot stop for the lever presses, and as an attachment point for springs connected to the lever presses which bias them away from the fingerboard. The lever presses have a channel in their central underside for receiving a presser bar which is pivotally connected to the lever press and spring biased away from it. The presser bar has a pad on its bottom surface for pressing down uniformly on the instrument's strings near a fret.

Abstract: A device for playing chords on a stringed musical instrument by manually depressing a chord forming member extending transversely of the instrument neck. The device includes a bar clamp transversely gripping a stringed instrument neck with the topmost bar supporting a plurality of spring members projecting longitudinally of the neck toward the sound board and terminating in transversely enlarged plate end portions for noninterfering relation during movement toward and away from the neck. The spring member end portions are manually depressed individually toward the strings so that resilient pads on the undersurface of the spring members engage a selected number of strings in a string stopping chord producing action against predetermined frets on the instrument neck.

Abstract: A device comprising mechanical means for fingering the fret board of a stringed instrument such as a guitar. The mechanical means includes a plurality of buttons, slide members, levers and string engaging members. By depressing an individual button, a plurality of the string engaging members will press a like number of strings against the frets, thus establishing a chord.

Abstract: A chording apparatus for stringed musical instruments is provided that automatically forms complex chording arrangements on the instrument keyboard in response to the simple depression of a single button. The chording apparatus hereof includes a unique arrangement of selection buttons, actuating arms, and string depressing hammers, to allow for the selection of a maximum number of chords with a minimum number of apparatus parts. The chording apparatus also includes a unique, one piece biasing plate that urges each of the string depressing hammers to their string clearing positions. The apparatus can be quickly attached or detached from the neck of a string instrument, is adaptable to keyboards of various widths, and is particularly designed for ease of assembly.

Abstract: This invented device is a fingerboard key operated motor driven chording belt with a plurality of cams attached to it that are selectively lifted by electromagnet as the belt is driven and caused to ride between an elevated surface and cam wheel-push rod-rocker arm assemblies, and displace the rocker arms, to thus fret the adjacent strings and form any one of thirteen possible chromatic chords for use in playing a musical number on a guitar.

Abstract: A chord-playing attachment for guitars and the like has a supporting frame which can be fitted to the neck of the instrument, and one or more chord-selectors removably attached to the frame, for pre-selecting chords to be played by pressing on a button. Chord-selectors can be interchanged on the frame.

Abstract: A device for playing chords on a musical instrument by depressing a single pushbutton, the device being characterized by an L shaped base having a shorter leg which engages a side of the neck of the musical instrument and a longer leg which overlies the strings of the instrument. A number of spacers are provided to maintain separation inbetween the base and the strings, and a pair of straps encircle the neck to hold the base in position. Three pushbutton assemblies are provided, each of which depresses three strings on a musical instrument. The pushbuttons are color coded to correspond to colored indicia provided on the sheet music.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lever apparatus which is adapted to be used on the neck of a musical instrument such as a guitar or other string instrument. The apparatus contains a plurality of spring biased lever arms each of which are pivotally mounted to a common rod by means of an associated U-shaped member. Each lever arm is directed parallel to an associated string of the instrument and has at one end an elastomeric pad which is positioned in a first position to be out of contact with the string. In a second position the user applies pressure to the lever arm with his finger which moves the pad into contact with the string. As soon as pressure is released, the spring automatically returns the arm to the first position. By using the common rod, multiple arrays of such lever arms can be mounted on the neck of the instrument to enable the user to access any string as well as at different fret locations.

Abstract: A device for adjusting chords in string instruments wherein elements for effectively shortening the musical length of a string are disposed on the instrument for taking over the former function of the fingering hand for the use in playing chords or tones. The desired chords are electrically stored and are read back by operating elements from programmable and exchangeable memories by pulses to the corresponding string shortening elements so that the pitch of the strings is changed and by this the desired chord is adjusted on the instrument. The operating elements make the selection of chords and their variations possible and the chord sequences can be adjusted by actuating a simple push button. A display is provided to facilitate the selection by the musician from the various programs and to give an understanding as to which chord has been selected. Means are also provided for dampening the strings so that rhythm effects can be obtained.

Abstract: A button actuated chord selector and playing device for simultaneously pressing a plurality of selected strings of a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, against the spaced frets of the instrument to shorten the vibrational length of the strings, to increase the pitches of the instrument, and, thereby, to produce selected harmonizing chord sounds. Each button operates its related actuating bar extending parallel with the neck of the instrument, and each of those actuating bars is operably connected to actuate a plurality of transversely extending selector bars positioned at different positions longitudinally on the neck of the instrument to engage and press selected strings against the spaced frets to produce the selected chord. Laterally spaced guide pins are provided at opposite ends of the actuating and selector bars to limit movement of the bars and to keep opposite ends of the bars moving in unison.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate playing of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar, banjo or the like especially when used for chording. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a musical instrument. It contains a small number of moving parts, the levers, and is, therefore, easy to maintain and to manufacture, and allows even beginners to play the instrument with ease.

Abstract: A manual, mechanical chord or note selecting device mounted on a fretted, stringed, musical instrument, said device having a convenient leverage means for faster, easier keying.

Abstract: An accompanying device for attachment to the neck of a string instrument, such as a guitar, for assisting in the playing of the selected chords to conform to a complete tone or melody. The device comprises a container and a group of selector keys contained therein which are spaced at operational heights above the strings. Each selector has a number of elongations to reach the strings and engage them at the corresponding frets.

Abstract: A guitar having four strings, two frets and an attachment pivotally mounted between the frets whereby the three principal chords of any key to which it has been tuned may be obtained clearly.

Abstract: Both finger and foot operated, electrical keyboards supply current through connectors to fret selecting devices which are mounted on fretted, stringed, musical instruments, said devices being guided in an array of note and chord formations so that notes and chords are formed when the devices are activated.

Abstract: A chord playing attachment for stringed instruments, such as guitars and the like, wherein combinations of string depressors are pressed down on the strings to produce a chord. The string depressors are connected with a spring action to a component which is attached to the instrument. This component serves the dual function of an attachment base for the string depressors as well as acting as a capo dastro.

Abstract: A device mounted on the neck of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar, to facilitate the playing of chords on the musical instrument. The device includes a housing reciprocably mounted on the neck of the musical instrument above the strings thereof. Rotatably mounted in the housing are a plurality of drums having fixed stops provided in spaced predetermined locations about the circumference of each drum. When the housing is depressed towards the neck, the stops will stop the strings in predetermined locations so that strumming of the strings will produce an appropriate chordal note. A pinion is connected to one end of each of the drums which is placed in meshing engagement with a rack slidable through the housing by the fingers of the hand of the player to rotate the drums and reposition different combinations of stops relative to the strings of the instrument for changing the chordal note produced by the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for exerting pressure on several strings of a stringed instrument simultaneously by operation of a pushbutton which transmits either hydraulically or pneumatically or by flexible cable the touch from a single finger, hence a single pushbutton, to several strings of a stringed instrument for such purposes as the playing of a chord.